By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) has been placed on “blue alert” status ahead of the New Year’s Day celebrations.

Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head, said all of their ambulances have now been pre-positioned across the province to respond to emergencies that may arise during the festivities.

Ploteña said on Christmas Eve, most of their emergency responses were due to vehicular accidents.

They are expecting the same scenario for New Year’s Eve.

During the heightened alert period, Ploteña said PDRRMO personnel are not allowed to go on leave, and they will instead observe a 24/7 shifting schedule.

The PDRRMO is also closely coordinating with the district hospitals in the province, which have already been on a “code white alert” since the start of the holidays.

Hospital personnel are already prepared for emergencies during the revelry and post-New Year activities.

Provincial government-run hospitals under “code white” status include the Cadiz District Hospital, Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, Valladolid District Hospital, Ignacio L. Arroyo Memorial District Hospital in Isabela town, Gov. Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial Hospital in Himamaylan City, Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial Hospital in La Carlota City, Eleuterio T. Decena Memorial Hospital in Hinoba-an town, Mercedes Montilla District Hospital in Sipalay City, and Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City./DGB, WDJ